A LIFEBOAT rescued three people stranded aboard an inflatable dinghy that had suffered engine failure.

The Lymington-based David Bradley was called to Mount Lake, an area of water which forms part of the extensive marshland between Keyhaven and Hurst Castle.

Tidal conditions prevented the lifeboat from reaching the dinghy.

Two members of the crew walked across the marshes to check that the casualties were not suffering from hypothermia or any injuries.

They then proceeded to pull the dinghy across the marshland to the lifeboat, which towed it to Fishermen Quay in Keyhaven.

Helmsman John Husband said: "The people on board the dinghy did the right thing by staying in the boat and not trying to walk across the marshes."